Stelma Crider

May 12, 1929 - January 20, 2018

Stelma Crider of St. James, Missouri passed away Saturday, January 20, 2018, at the St. James Living Center in St. James at the age of 88. Stelma was born on Floral, Arkansas on May 12, 1929 to the late Elmer Edward and Frances (Jones) Harper. On December 4, 1949 Miss Stelma Harper was united in marriage to William H. Coleman, this union was blessed with two children. After William passed in 1976, Stelma married Charles Crider, they owned and operated Crider Welding in St. James. Stelma did all the bookwork, and also worked for the U.S. Forestry in Rolla until she retired. She enjoyed crocheting, gardening both vegetables, and beautiful flowers that took over her yard; Stelma worked in the gardens throughout the summer, canning and freezing the bounty of her labor to enjoy over the winter. Stelma was a member of the Presbyterian Church, but also enjoyed visitating the Vida Baptist Church in Vida, Missouri. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to many, and will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved her. Stelma is survived by her children, William Coleman, of St. James, MO, and Carol Sue Watkins, and husband John Kirk, of Glendale, MO; brothers, Glen Harper, of Ridgemanor, FL, Teddy Harper, of Clearwater, FL, and Kenneth Harper, of Jackson, MO; grandchildren, Shanna Sue Watkins, Ryan Watkins, and Candace Nicole Coleman; a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. In addition to her parents Stelma was preceded in death by husbands William Coleman, and Charles Crider; sisters, Myrtle Harper, and Robbie Lea Peters; brothers, Edward Elmer Harper, and James Thomas Harper. A Memorial Service honoring the life of Stelma Crider will be held at the James & Gahr Chapel on Friday, February 2, 2018 at 6:00PM with Pastor Ken Harper officiating. Visitation for family and friends will be held at the Chapel prior to the service from 5-6PM.